Anyone used a Cobb barbecue with a spirit burner?

I've had my Cobb for a few years now and love it. Unfortunately there are some sites now that won't allow charcoal barbecues. I don't want to buy the Cobb gas and I was wondering if I could use a small spirit burner in place of the charcoal basket. Anyone tried it?

Wondered about this myself but not tried it yet as not researched the "fumes" and how safe they are to have in contact with food. Normally a pot would protect the food but no so much with a Cobb? Maybe the coconut "cobblestones" wouldn't count a charcoal? I normally use the cobb on our picnic table and no one has ever "had a go" at me.